Lionel smoke units using pills

To clean out old pellet residue I just heat it with a lighter. It will melt. If the heater element is still good you can use liquid smoke fluid in it, Just don't overfill. Conversions are available but not needed.

Liquid smoke fluid works just fine in a pill smoke unit.  Four to six drops will do it.  Residue doesn’t seem to bother the liquid smoke fluid.

If smoke output with liquid seems anemic, best way to clean out the unit is take the top off and make sure the hole between the chamber and the piston is clear. Also if the felt to caked up with residue it may limit air flow. You can burn it off as Jim suggested, (I use a heat gun) or simply replace the felt.

Pete

Thank you all for the tips. It is now on my "to do" list.